Attack aircraft Facts for Kids

This stamp from the USSR shows a Petlyakov Pe-2, an attack aircraft, in action.

Attack aircraft are special military aircraft built to attack enemies on the ground or at sea. They are designed to hit targets like tanks, groups of soldiers, or warships. These planes usually fly low to get close to their targets.

Attack aircraft were very important during World War II. They also took over the job of dive bombers, which were planes that dropped bombs after diving steeply towards a target. Attack aircraft can be fighter planes or even helicopters.

What are Attack Aircraft?
- How They Attack
- Flying Low and Fast
History of Attack Aircraft
- World War II Heroes
- Modern Attack Aircraft
Examples of Attack Aircraft
Images for kids
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What are Attack Aircraft?

Attack aircraft are like flying weapons platforms. Their main job is to support ground troops by destroying enemy vehicles, buildings, and soldiers. They are different from bombers, which drop bombs from high altitudes. Attack aircraft fly lower and use a variety of weapons to hit specific targets.

How They Attack

Attack aircraft use different methods to hit their targets:

Guns and Cannons: Many have powerful machine guns or cannons that fire thousands of rounds per minute. These are great for hitting vehicles or troops.
Rockets: They can carry unguided rockets that are fired in salvos (many at once) to cover an area.
Missiles: Modern attack aircraft often use guided missiles. These missiles can track and hit targets with incredible accuracy, even moving ones.
Bombs: While they aren't primarily bombers, they can also carry bombs, including smart bombs that can be guided to their targets.

Flying Low and Fast

To be effective, attack aircraft often fly very low to the ground. This helps them avoid enemy radar and makes it harder for enemies to shoot them down. Flying low also gives the pilot a better view of the targets. However, flying low is also dangerous because it puts the aircraft closer to ground defenses.

History of Attack Aircraft

Attack aircraft became very important during World War I, when planes started being used to shoot at soldiers in trenches. By World War II, they were a key part of many air forces.

World War II Heroes

During World War II, planes like the Soviet Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik and the German Junkers Ju 87 Stuka were famous attack aircraft.

The Sturmovik was heavily armored and could take a lot of damage. It was used to attack tanks and troops on the Eastern Front.
The Stuka was a dive bomber known for its siren, which made a terrifying sound as it dove, scaring enemy soldiers.

Modern Attack Aircraft

After World War II, attack aircraft continued to evolve. Jet engines made them faster, and new weapons made them more precise.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed "Warthog," is a famous American attack aircraft. It's built around a huge cannon and is designed to be very tough and survive hits.
Helicopters like the AH-64 Apache also became important attack aircraft, especially for close air support. They can hover and provide precise fire.